Riyadh Water Tower, Riyadh

Built in 1971, the Riyadh Water Tower-known locally as “Reservoir Tower”-is a 61-meter-tall structure designed by Swedish architect Sune Lindström. It was modeled after the Svampen water tower in Örebro, Sweden. When it opened, it was the tallest structure in Saudi Arabia. Today, its inverted conical silhouette atop a cylindrical base remains one of the city's most interesting architectural statements.

The tower was a key part of Riyadh’s first modern water-supply system, capable of holding up to 12,000 cubic meters of water in its main tank, with an auxiliary emergency reservoir beneath. Its construction marked a turning point for the city during the rapid urban growth of the 1960s and 70s, offering much‑needed infrastructure in newly expanding neighborhoods.

Today, it sits within al-Watan Park, a leafy public space encircling the tower as part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. Visitors can ascend to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Riyadh’s sweeping urban landscape. The circular observation deck-and a rooftop café-offer perfect sunset vistas and cityscapes.